BMW M is thought for its legendary efficiency vehicles, however some fashions by no means fairly acquired their second within the highlight. From the forgotten M540i to the misunderstood X3 M, these are probably the most underrated M vehicles value a re-examination.
Established in 1972, BMW M has arguably grow to be the preferred efficiency model amongst main premium carmakers, with icons such because the E46 M3, E39 M5, M4 CSL and 1M Coupe. But, whereas the division’s most celebrated fashions have persistently acquired immense reward and accolades, some M automobiles have over the many years slipped underneath the radar. Certainly, they had been each bit pretty much as good because the all-time classics however, for varied causes, by no means acquired the prominence they deserved.
On this article, we’re going to record the highest 5 of them.
BMW X3 M
The X3 M, outfitted with the award-winning S58 engine, produced 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, reaching a 0-60 mph time of simply 3.2 seconds. These figures had been corresponding to the M3, extensively thought to be the world’s greatest sports activities sedan. In actual fact, the X3 M provided superior practicality (cargo area, trip top) to the M3, with solely a negligible trade-off in dealing with. And all of this was obtainable for round $80,000—a really aggressive worth provided that the typical transaction worth for high-performance vehicles is $120,000 (Kelley Blue E-book).
Too unhealthy, the gasoline X3 M gained’t see one other era, as BMW’s consideration turns to the first-ever iX3 M.
BMW M6 Gran Coupe (F06)
The M6 wasn’t a gross sales hit for BMW. But, with its luxurious interiors, hanging aesthetics, and sharp driving dynamics, it offered a compelling different for patrons whose budgets didn’t stretch to an Aston Martin or Bentley. Sadly, it nonetheless acquired overshadowed by the M5 (F10) and different rivals, together with the Audi RS7, Porsche Panamera, Porsche 911, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Mockingly, the M6 Gran Coupe’s successor, the M8 Gran Coupe, faces the identical predicament. The F93 is among the most competent vehicles within the $150,000 section, nevertheless it’s been cannibalized by the M5 and struggles to match the attract of its Porsche and Mercedes opponents.
BMW M2 (F87)
One may argue the M2 isn’t really underrated, given its awards like Motor Pattern’s Efficiency Car of the 12 months, Evo Automobile of the 12 months, and Auto Categorical Efficiency Automobile of the 12 months. Nevertheless, at its preliminary launch, the F87 didn’t function the identical S55 engine because the M3/M4. As a substitute, it packed the ‘inferior’ N55 powertrain—a alternative many fans felt was a compromise. Even then, the M2 was a convincing success, changing into BMW’s best-selling high-performance car and arguably its most gratifying sports activities automobile because the 1M Coupe.
BMW M540i (E34)
After the E34 M5 was discontinued for non-European markets, the hole was crammed by the M540i in 1995. That stated, not like the M5’s inline-six, the M540i was outfitted with a V8 engine delivering 286 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, leading to a 0 to 60 mph time of round 6 seconds. Notably, the M540i wasn’t as sharply tuned because the M5, which made it a greater every day driver. Regardless, it by no means grew to become widespread, as a result of it wasn’t a ‘full-fledged’ M automobile.
BMW M Coupe
The BMW M Coupe (manufacturing years 1998–2002) was a superb driver’s automobile, very like the M2 and the Z4. Nevertheless, its styling was too polarizing — due to which it was famously nicknamed the “Clown Shoe” — and that deterred most patrons.
It has nonetheless grow to be a preferred collector’s automobile, although, with examples simply fetching over $50,000.
